Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0867
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 5/8 in. (331 grams total, 7-14 mm).
A mixed group of two hundred and fifty single tesserae of various colours and sizes, mostly cuboid. [250, No Reserve]
Provenance
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
For similar tesserae see Gabucci, A., Pejrani Baricco, L., Ratto, S., Per il Museo di Ivrea, La sezione archeologica del Museo Civico P.A. Garda, Sesto Fiorentino, 2014, cover, mosaic from a Domus of Eporedia.
Footnotes
Roman mosaics were made from small cubes of natural stone and terracotta possibly cut from tile or brick. Each of these small cubes was called a tessera (several tesserae) from the Latin word for dice.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Jupiter Dolichenus Eagle on the Head of a Stag
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
The eagle modelled in the round standing on top of a large head of a stag with curving antlers touching the bird's wings, the eagle with its legs held apart and its long talons spread across the head, the wings slightly raised and the head turned to the right whilst gazing down towards the stag; detailed plumage; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 544 grams, 97 mm (621 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)
Acquired in 1997 from a Canadian dealership. From a North American gentleman's collection. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The motif of an eagle and a stag or a deer is typically associated with the God Jupiter/Zeus Dolichenus and his wife Juno Dolichena, name derived from his sanctuary in Doliche, Anatolia. Jupiter Dolichenus was a soldier god, usually portrayed wearing full military attire and standing on a bull, while his consort would have been shown standing on a deer or stag. -
Roman Mixed Glass Bead Group
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £111
Including oblate, fusiform, tabular, mosaic and other types. 15 grams total, 2-13 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, incorporating elements from different cultural styles. -
Roman Bronze Phalera of Medusa
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Discoid in plan with raised lip to the rim, central gorgoneion motif. 33 grams, 47 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
